mais amável: more lovely

Dictionary of Poetic Terms: Portuguese-English

 

By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva 

 

The phrase "mais amável" is a common expression in Brazilian Portuguese, which translates into "more lovely" in English. This translation reflects the comparative form of the adjective "amável," which means "kind," "gentle," or "lovely." The use of "mais" indicates a comparison, signifying that the subject in question is being described as more lovely than something else.

 

In both languages, adjectives like "amável" can carry nuanced emotional connotations depending on the context in which they are used. In Portuguese, "amável" often describes someone who is pleasant, caring, or generous. When modified by "mais," it indicates a higher degree of these qualities. Similarly, in English, "more lovely" implies not just an increase in loveliness but also an enhancement in warmth or charm.

 

To better understand the usage of "mais amável" in Brazilian Portuguese, let's look at some poetic examples with their English translations:

 

"Ela é mais amável do que as flores que desabrocham ao amanhecer."

"She is more lovely than the flowers that bloom at dawn."

 

"O sol se tornou mais amável quando ele sorria para nós."

"The sun became more lovely when it smiled upon us."

 

"Em seus olhos, encontrei um olhar mais amável do que qualquer palavra poderia expressar."

"In her eyes, I found a more lovely gaze than any words could express."

 

"A noite estava mais amável do que qualquer outra, com a brisa suave acariciando a pele."

"The night was more lovely than any other, with the soft breeze caressing the skin."

 

"O coração dela ficou mais amável ao me ver, como se o tempo tivesse parado para nos unir."

"Her heart became more lovely upon seeing me, as if time had stopped to bring us together."

 

In the examples provided above, the use of "mais amável" elevates the subject being described, whether it’s a person, an object, or an abstract concept, by suggesting an increased level of loveliness. While "mais amável" directly translates into "more lovely," the effect in both languages is to enhance the emotional and poetic qualities of the noun it describes. In Brazilian Portuguese, this expression carries with it a sense of warmth, affection, and gentleness, which is reflected in the English translation as well.

 

Other ways of saying "mais amável" in English: more kind, more compassionate

 

The choice of "more lovely" in English can sometimes feel a bit simpler than the poetic and emotional depth found in the original Portuguese. However, when placed within the right context—like in the examples above—it retains much of the same charm, evoking a sense of increasing beauty and kindness, whether in nature, a person, or an experience. The use of comparative adjectives in both languages allows for these subtle shifts in meaning that enhance the poetry of everyday language, making something as simple as loveliness feel both profound and meaningful.

 

Bibliographic References 

 

Lennard, J. (2005). The Poetry Handbook. Oxford University Press.

 

This book provides an introduction to the study of poetry, covering terms and concepts commonly used in the analysis of poems. It offers clear explanations of poetic devices, meter, rhyme, and forms of poetry.

 

Preminger, A., Brogan, T. V. F., & McCaffery, L. (Eds.). (2012). The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. Princeton University Press.

 

A comprehensive reference work that covers a wide range of poetic terms, forms, styles, and the history of poetics. It’s an essential resource for anyone wanting to explore the lexicon of poetry and poetic theory.

 

Biespiel, D. (2012). The Elements of Poetry. Free Press.

 

This book takes a close look at the fundamental elements of poetry, such as rhythm, diction, and metaphor. It’s a great guide for understanding how poets craft language and meaning.

 

Oliver, M. (1994). A Poetry Handbook. Harcourt Brace.

 

In this book, Mary Oliver explores the technical aspects of poetry, such as line breaks, meter, and sound. It’s both an instruction manual and a reflective guide for writers and readers alike.

 

Baldick, C. (2008). The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

 

A useful resource for quick reference of literary terms, including a large number of entries related to poetic forms, techniques, and styles. This dictionary covers a broad range of literary terminology in accessible language.

 

Perloff, M., & Dworkin, C. (2009). The Sound of Poetry / The Poetry of Sound. University of Chicago Press.

 

A fascinating exploration of how sound and form interact in poetry. It includes discussion of meter, rhyme, and rhythm as well as avant-garde experiments with sound in modern poetry.

 

Fraser, G. S. (1977). Poetic Forms. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

 

A classic book on the different poetic forms, from sonnets to free verse. Fraser discusses the technicalities of verse and the various structures poets can use.

 

Gwynn, R. S. (2015). Poetry: A Pocket Anthology (5th ed.). Pearson.

 

This is a widely used anthology that includes a variety of poetic works along with an introduction to poetic terms and devices. It’s an excellent primer for students new to the study of poetry.

 

Ferguson, M., Galpern, M., & Standish, J. (2005). The Norton Anthology of Poetry (Shorter 5th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.

 

A highly respected anthology that includes works from classical to modern poets. The anthology features explanations of poetic terms and styles, making it an excellent resource for understanding how these terms are applied in real poems.

 

Perloff, M. (Ed.). (2007). The Cambridge Companion to Modernist Poetry. Cambridge University Press.

 

This book discusses the technical innovations in poetry that came with modernism. It includes analysis of sound, form, and the rejection of traditional poetic rules, providing valuable insights into the evolution of poetic devices.